Q: First tell us something about yourself.
I’m Krista Coyne. I’m a multi-passionate, busy mom of 4. I spent many years as a primary school teacher in California until I recently relocated with my family to the west of Ireland. I love being creative in whichever way I can, whether I’m crafting, writing, blogging, hobbies, or creating online. When I’m not in my creative mode, you can usually find me spending time with my family or researching my next travel destination.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
I’ve always enjoyed writing in my journals since I was young. I started writing more as a teenager and young adult. When I was in school I found it much easier to complete written assignments than solve math problems. I didn’t officially call myself a writer until I started writing my first children’s book in 2014.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I started writing my first children’s book in 2014. Once I had finished the manuscript I wasn’t sure what to do next. It sat in a file on my computer for years. In 2020 I decided to finish what I had set out to do and finished my children’s book. Girls with Curls: The True Tales of Girls with Curly Hair was published the following year in 2021 and last year in 2023 I published my second book Hair Bear: A Tale of Curly Hair Love.
Q: Tell us something more about your books.
While I originally wanted to write a fun book that gave some insight into what it’s like to have curly hair and teach my girls to love their hair through lessons of self-acceptance, I realized that the books were much more than that. My children would literally see themselves and their family in this book and be proud of that! It also allowed other children to feel represented in children’s books and learn to be proud of who they are.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader? Is there any specific reason?
The idea to write children’s books came from my many years spent in the classroom as a primary school teacher. I’ve always loved the stories and the colorful illustrations of children’s books. I would often dream of the day that I would sit my students down during storytime to read them a book I had written. I was finally able to do that and my students became some of my beta readers!
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
The inspiration behind my books came from my four curly-headed daughters. I thought it would be fun to share a glimpse of our “world of curls.” People often had comments and questions about our curly hair.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
You don’t have to be “girls with curls” to enjoy this book. Almost everyone has to use a brush at some point and we can all learn to love something about ourselves that makes us unique!
Author’s Website – kristacoyne.com
